Mossberg 800a Serial Numbers
Fanny Lococo
How to Identify and Date Your Mossberg 800a Rifle by Serial Number
If you own a Mossberg 800a rifle, you might be curious about its history and value. One way to learn more about your rifle is to look at its serial number, which can tell you when and where it was made. In this article, we will explain how to find, decode and verify your Mossberg 800a serial number, and what it reveals about your rifle.
What is a Mossberg 800a rifle?
The Mossberg 800a rifle is a bolt-action centerfire rifle that was produced by O.F. Mossberg & Sons from 1967 to 1979. It was designed as a hunting rifle for medium and large game, and chambered in various calibers, such as .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, .22-250 Remington, and .270 Winchester. The Mossberg 800a rifle featured a detachable box magazine, a checkered walnut stock with a white-tailed deer motif, a hooded front sight, and a folding rear sight. Some models also had a scope mount or a muzzle brake. The Mossberg 800a rifle was discontinued in 1979 and replaced by the Mossberg 810 rifle.
Where to find the serial number on your Mossberg 800a rifle?
The serial number on your Mossberg 800a rifle is located on the left side of the receiver, near the bolt handle. It is usually stamped or engraved on the metal surface, and sometimes covered by a thin layer of paint or varnish. You might need to use a flashlight or a magnifying glass to read it clearly. The serial number should consist of seven characters: a letter followed by six numbers, such as A123456 or Z654321.
How to decode your Mossberg 800a serial number?
The letter prefix of your Mossberg 800a serial number indicates the year of manufacture, according to the following table:
| Letter | Year |
|---|
| A | 1967 |
| B | 1968 |
| C | 1969 |
| D | 1970 |
| E | 1971 |
| F | 1972 |
| G | 1973 |
| H | 1974 |
| I | 1975 |
| J | 1976 |
| K | 1977 |
| L | 1978 |
| M | 1979 |
The six numbers after the letter prefix are the production sequence numbers, which indicate the order in which your rifle was made within that year. For example, A000001 would be the first Mossberg 800a rifle made in 1967, while M999999 would be the last one made in 1979.
How to verify your Mossberg 800a serial number?
To verify that your Mossberg 800a serial number is authentic and accurate, you can compare it with other sources of information, such as:
- The original box label or manual that came with your rifle.
- The date of purchase or receipt of your rifle.
- The online databases or forums of Mossberg owners and collectors.
- The official records or catalogs of O.F. Mossberg & Sons.
- The experts or appraisers of firearms and antiques.
If you find any discrepancies or errors in your Mossberg 800a serial number, you should contact O.F. Mossberg & Sons or a reputable gunsmith for further assistance.
What are the benefits of knowing your Mossberg 800a serial number?
Knowing your Mossberg 800a serial number can have several benefits, such as:
- You can determine the age and origin of your rifle, which can help you appreciate its history and value.
- You can identify the specific model and caliber of your rifle, which can help you find the right parts and accessories for it.
- You can register your rifle with O.F. Mossberg & Sons or a local authority, which can help you protect your ownership and recover your rifle in case of theft or loss.
- You can share your rifle information with other Mossberg owners and collectors, which can help you learn more about your rifle and join a community of enthusiasts.
How to care for your Mossberg 800a rifle?
To keep your Mossberg 800a rifle in good condition and performance, you should follow some basic care tips, such as:
- Clean and lubricate your rifle regularly, especially after shooting or exposure to dirt, moisture, or extreme temperatures.
- Use only quality ammunition that matches the caliber and specifications of your rifle.
- Store your rifle in a safe and dry place, away from children and unauthorized persons.
- Inspect your rifle for any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction before and after each use.
- Seek professional help from a qualified gunsmith or O.F. Mossberg & Sons if you need to repair or modify your rifle.
How to value your Mossberg 800a rifle?
The value of your Mossberg 800a rifle depends on several factors, such as:
- The condition and functionality of your rifle, which can range from poor to excellent.
- The rarity and demand of your rifle, which can vary by model, caliber, and features.
- The originality and completeness of your rifle, which can include the box, manual, accessories, and parts.
- The provenance and history of your rifle, which can include the previous owners, usage, and documentation.
To estimate the value of your Mossberg 800a rifle, you can use some of the following methods:
- Compare your rifle with similar ones that are sold or offered online or offline, such as on auction sites, gun shows, or classified ads.
- Consult a price guide or a blue book that lists the values of various firearms, such as the Standard Catalog of Firearms or the Blue Book of Gun Values.
- Seek an appraisal or an opinion from a qualified expert or a reputable dealer who specializes in firearms and antiques.
Keep in mind that the value of your Mossberg 800a rifle is subjective and can change over time and place. The final value of your rifle is determined by what someone is willing to pay for it.
How to troubleshoot your Mossberg 800a rifle?
Like any firearm, your Mossberg 800a rifle may encounter some problems or malfunctions during its use. Some of the common issues and their possible causes and solutions are:
- Failure to feed: This occurs when the rifle fails to load a cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. This can be caused by a dirty or damaged magazine, a weak or broken magazine spring, a worn or dirty bolt or chamber, or a defective or incompatible cartridge. To fix this, you should clean and inspect the magazine, replace the magazine spring if necessary, clean and lubricate the bolt and chamber, and use only quality and suitable ammunition.
- Failure to fire: This occurs when the rifle fails to fire a cartridge after pulling the trigger. This can be caused by a faulty firing pin, a broken or weak firing pin spring, a dirty or corroded primer, a defective or incompatible cartridge, or a safety mechanism that is not disengaged. To fix this, you should check and replace the firing pin and spring if necessary, clean and inspect the primer and cartridge, and use only quality and suitable ammunition. You should also make sure that the safety is off before firing.
- Failure to eject: This occurs when the rifle fails to eject a spent cartridge case from the chamber after firing. This can be caused by a dirty or damaged extractor, a weak or broken extractor spring, a worn or dirty ejector, a sticky or dirty chamber, or a defective or incompatible cartridge. To fix this, you should clean and inspect the extractor and ejector, replace the extractor spring if necessary, clean and lubricate the chamber, and use only quality and suitable ammunition.
- Failure to extract: This occurs when the rifle fails to extract a spent cartridge case from the chamber after firing. This can be caused by a dirty or damaged extractor, a weak or broken extractor spring, a sticky or dirty chamber, or a defective or incompatible cartridge. To fix this, you should clean and inspect the extractor, replace the extractor spring if necessary, clean and lubricate the chamber, and use only quality and suitable ammunition.
If you encounter any other problems or malfunctions with your Mossberg 800a rifle that you cannot resolve by yourself, you should stop using it immediately and contact O.F. Mossberg & Sons or a qualified gunsmith for further assistance.
How to customize your Mossberg 800a rifle?
If you want to enhance or personalize your Mossberg 800a rifle, you can choose from a variety of aftermarket parts and accessories that are compatible with your rifle. Some of the common options are:
- Stocks: You can replace the original walnut stock with a synthetic, laminated, or hardwood stock that suits your preference and style. You can also add a recoil pad, a cheek rest, a sling swivel, or a bipod to your stock for more comfort and stability.
- Barrels: You can swap the original barrel with a different length, contour, or caliber barrel that matches your shooting needs and goals. You can also add a muzzle brake, a flash hider, or a suppressor to your barrel for more accuracy and noise reduction.
- Scopes: You can mount a scope on your rifle using the original scope mount or a different one that fits your scope and rifle. You can choose from various types, sizes, and magnifications of scopes that suit your target and range.
- Triggers: You can upgrade the original trigger with a custom or adjustable trigger that improves your trigger pull and accuracy. You can also add a trigger guard, a safety lever, or a bolt release to your trigger for more convenience and safety.
- Magazines: You can replace the original magazine with a higher capacity or a different caliber magazine that increases your firepower and versatility. You can also add a magazine extension, a magazine release, or a magazine loader to your magazine for more efficiency and ease.
Before you customize your Mossberg 800a rifle, you should make sure that the parts and accessories you choose are compatible with your rifle and legal in your area. You should also consult a qualified gunsmith or O.F. Mossberg & Sons if you need to install or modify any parts on your rifle.
Conclusion
The Mossberg 800a rifle is a classic and versatile bolt-action rifle that was produced by O.F. Mossberg & Sons from 1967 to 1979. It was designed as a hunting rifle for medium and large game, and chambered in various calibers. By looking at the serial number on your Mossberg 800a rifle, you can learn more about its history and value. You can also troubleshoot, care for, and customize your Mossberg 800a rifle to keep it in good condition and performance. If you own or are interested in a Mossberg 800a rifle, you can use this article as a guide to help you enjoy and appreciate your rifle.
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